1. Your focus time can be scheduled
It doesn’t matter what gets put on the calendar, it just gets done. Block your calendar at peak performance hours. To illustrate, I work my best early in the day, so I block out time for me alone and schedule it to my most important projects. If you are unfamiliar with chronotypes and Daniel Pink , it is worth reading When . You will be able to determine when you are most productive, and schedule challenging tasks during your most productive periods.
2. Get offline
Disable notifications and use tools that block content. Pop-ups will not go away on their own. I use freedom to manage my desktop. I remove unnecessary apps from my phone and adjust the screen-time controls to allow me to use social media apps necessary for work. I don’t even have the code to bypass the limitations. My wife keeps the code to make sure I don’t breach my digital distraction firewall. To win the battle for focus, you have to take down tech giants.
3. Reduce the room temperature
In a study published in Scientific American participants were required to proofread an essay. Some were asked to proofread articles in a room temperature of 77°F and others in a room temperature of 67°F. The cool room produced twice as many errors in comparison to their counterparts. Science has proven that cooling rooms can improve concentration. People’s ideal temperature is different so try out different settings to discover your personal thermostat.
4. Play music that assists concentration
Stanford University researchers looked at the effects music has on the brain. The results showed that music engages areas of the brain that are involved in making predictions, paying attention, and updating memory. When I write, I listen a mix of epic and instrumental songs. It gives you a sense that there is a purpose. It is intended to influence emotion. I am now more aware of the larger purpose of my life. To find this kind of music, search the Focus section on Spotify. Or use apps like Focus@Will.
5. Be aware of the impact of food upon your ability to focus
Three cups of espresso can be helpful for some people. Others feel jittery even with the least amount of caffeine. Don’t skip meals and pay attention to how your body reacts. Keep snacks handy in your desk drawer, and hydrate with a water bottle marked with markers. Your regular diet should include foods that increase brain function.
6. Take frequent breaks
If you push through a project too much, your battery will eventually run out. Take a stroll, meditate, take a nap, or make a cup coffee. Do something that clears your mind, no matter how small or large, to reap the benefits almost immediately. I typically take a half-hour break during the day. I also take breaks for lunch and an afternoon nap later in the day. Breaks renew my energy. I come back to work each day with fresh eyes and renewed motivation.